Junior Rasmussen
Framing a wedding dress is a unique way to commemorate a special day and turn a dress into a stunning piece of art. It can be challenging to find a company that offers this service, and it can be an expensive endeavour, with quotes ranging from £900 to $5000. However, it is a growing trend, with companies like The Beautiful Frame Company and Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing specialising in this service and offering bespoke options to suit different styles, homes, and tastes. This article will explore the process of framing a wedding dress, from cleaning and preservation to choosing the right frame and finding the perfect spot to display it in your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Expensive, ranging from $300 to $5000 |
| Companies | The Beautiful Frame Company, Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing, Artist Russell Collins, Michaels |
| Process | Consultation, visualisation, mock-up, glazing options |
| Display | On a wall, in a closet, in a bedroom, on a landing |
| Preservation | Anti-yellowing treatment, stain removal, UV protective glass, pH balance maintenance |
| DIY | Requires custom frame, mount, seal, mat, mat board, backing, hardware, and acrylic |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
DIY framing
Framing your wedding dress is a wonderful way to preserve the memory of your special day and turn your dress into a stunning piece of art. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the DIY framing process:
Step 1: Clean and Treat Your Dress
Before framing your wedding dress, it is important to have it professionally cleaned and treated. Your local dry cleaner or an online service can help remove any stains and provide anti-yellowing and stain removal treatments to protect your gown. This step ensures that your dress is restored to its pristine condition and will stay that way for years to come.
Step 2: Choose a Frame and Display Style
Decide on the type of frame and display style that best suits your dress and the space you plan to hang it in. You can choose from full-length shadow boxes, half-size frames, or even mount your dress on a mannequin. Consider the size and depth of the frame, ensuring it is less than 30cm deep to allow for more hanging options in your home.
Step 3: Prepare Your Dress for Framing
Lay out your dress on a mount board and choose the perfect angle for display. Consider adding your veil, buttonholes, jewellery, or any other accessories you'd like to include in the frame. If you're handy with crafts, you can create a mock-up of how you want the final product to look.
Step 4: Find the Right Glazing and Framing Materials
Research and select the appropriate glazing options for your frame to protect your dress from UV light and pollutants. You can also reach out to companies like Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing or Artist Russell Collins, who can provide you with the materials to mount and frame your dress yourself.
Step 5: Hang Your Dress
Once you have your frame and your dress is prepared, carefully hang your dress inside the frame. Ensure that you have safely fixed the frame to a wall in an area that doesn't receive direct sunlight and is cool and dry.
By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and unique display of your wedding dress, preserving it for years to come.
Etiquette for Addressing Wedding Invites to Widowed Men with Children
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Professional framing services
Professional framers will typically begin with an assessment of your wedding dress, discussing preservation methods and frame options. The service includes proper cleaning, potentially using dry cleaning experts who specialise in delicate fabrics. You can expect meticulous attention to detail, such as measuring the dress accurately and ensuring all components are securely attached.
When choosing a professional framing service, it is essential to select a reputable company with experience in textile preservation, specifically wedding gowns. Research and careful selection are crucial. Start by asking friends or family for recommendations, checking online reviews, or visiting local businesses that specialise in framing. Look for framers with a portfolio that showcases their previous work with wedding gowns.
The Beautiful Frame Company, for example, offers an extensive range of frames for wedding dresses, or you can have their team select the perfect frame for your dress. They exclusively design and craft frames tailored to each dress.
Another option is AUM Framing and Gallery, which provides custom framing services for wedding memorabilia. They offer a huge selection of moulding styles and colours to make your project unique. AUM Framing also uses reversible mounting methods, ensuring that the dress remains in pristine condition if it is ever removed from the frame. However, it is important to note that they only sell locally in the Denver, CO area due to the high cost of shipping large framed wedding gowns.
Transporting Your Wedding Dress: Van Nuys to Abroad
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$39.9
$58.99
Cost and pricing
The cost of framing a wedding dress can vary widely depending on several factors. Basic frames often start at around $200, while custom-made frames can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more. The complexity of the framing, materials used, and location can all impact the final price. For example, quality materials such as acid-free mat boards and UV-protective glass can add $50 to $300 to the overall cost but are essential for preserving the dress and preventing deterioration over time.
Shadow box frames are a popular choice for wedding dress framing as they allow for more design flexibility and can accommodate three-dimensional elements like lace or embellishments. These typically range from $300 to $600. However, some companies offer full-length shadow box framing starting at $1,200, which can be a more affordable option for those seeking a comprehensive solution.
Customization options can also increase the overall cost. Additional features like inscription plates, fabric backing, and creative layouts that incorporate mementos such as invitations or photos can enhance the presentation but may come with an additional charge. For example, inscription plates typically cost $50 to $100, while fabric backing can range from $100 to $300. Creative layouts that incorporate mementos may add $200 or more to the final bill.
It is worth noting that some people choose to DIY their wedding dress framing to save money. This option may be more feasible for those with access to resources and expertise, such as a family member with a frame shop or carpentry skills. However, professional framers often have the necessary experience and skills to ensure the dress is properly preserved and displayed, which may be worth the investment for those who want to cherish their dress for years to come.
Adrienne Maloof's Wedding Dress: What Happened After the Wedding?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Displaying the dress
If you want to display your framed wedding dress, consider areas in your home that do not receive a lot of direct sunlight and are cool and dry. Many brides find that they have space behind a door opening, in a stairwell, or in a walkway. You should also consider choosing a space where the frame can be safely fixed to a wall.
The Beautiful Frame Company, a UK-based wedding dress framing service, offers frames starting at £900. They work with you to decide on the type, size, and depth of the frame and find the perfect angle for your dress. You can also decide whether you want your dress displayed on a mannequin or just on mountboard in the frame. They can guarantee that the dress will not be damaged and that the material will not fade or be affected by pollutants or UV light.
Another option is Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing, whose Fine Art Trade Guild-commended framers can work with dresses of any shape and size. They follow a four-step process: a consultation to show you all the frame possibilities, a visualisation where the perfect angle is chosen, a mock-up of the final product, and a guided talk through the glazing options and where you want to display your dress. They can also add veils, buttonholes, jewellery, and more so that your whole outfit can be displayed.
If you are considering a DIY approach, you will need to order the frame, mat, mat board, backing, and hardware. You may also want to consider using acrylic instead of glass, as glass can be very heavy. Regular acrylic is fine, but non-glare acrylic is very expensive. You can also look into adding UV-protective acrylic or glass to prevent sunlight exposure issues.
Addressing a Wedding Check: Whom Should You Write It To?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cleaning and preservation
If you're looking to preserve your wedding dress, there are a few options to consider. You can either opt for professional cleaning and preservation services or choose to frame your dress as a decorative piece.
After your wedding, your dress might have a few stains, and that's okay! It's a sign of a great celebration. If you want to restore your dress to its original condition, you can consider professional wedding dress cleaning and preservation services. Companies like The Knot offer professional cleaning services that include meticulous cleaning, preservation, and museum-quality storage. They use techniques specifically designed for delicate fabrics and intricate details, safeguarding your gown from yellowing, fading, and deterioration.
Alternatively, you can take your dress to a local dry cleaner or use an online service for cleaning. Many dry cleaners offer anti-yellowing and stain removal treatments to provide long-lasting protection for your gown.
If you prefer to handle preservation yourself, it's essential to choose the right storage materials and location. Avoid using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Instead, opt for acid-free tissue paper and storage boxes designed specifically for preserving wedding dresses. Acid-free tissue paper helps protect the fabric and prevent creases, while acid-free storage boxes provide a breathable environment.
When deciding on a storage location, look for a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Avoid storing your dress near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration. It's also important to keep your wedding dress away from cooking or smoking odours, as they can permeate the fabric over time. Remember to inspect your dress regularly for any signs of damage or pests and refold it periodically to prevent permanent creases.
Framing
If you're thinking of displaying your wedding dress as a decorative piece, framing is a unique option. You can choose to have your dress framed professionally or opt for a DIY project. The Beautiful Frame Company, for example, offers exclusive frame designs crafted specifically for your dress. You can also shop around for quotes from local framing stores, as prices can vary significantly.
When choosing a location to display your framed dress, select an area that doesn't receive direct sunlight and is cool and dry. Ensure that you have a wall large enough for your dress and that you can safely fix the frame to the wall.
Whether you choose professional preservation or framing, your wedding dress will be transformed into a timeless piece of art, allowing you to cherish the memories of your special day for years to come.
Accessorizing a Navy Dress: Wedding Edition
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Beautiful Frame Company, Ironbridge Fine Arts & Framing, and Artist Russell Collins are some companies that offer wedding dress framing services.
The cost varies depending on the company and the type of frame. The Beautiful Frame Company's services start at £900, while framing a dress unfolded is estimated to cost $1000+.
It is important to consider the size of the dress and the available wall space. Framing a wedding dress can be expensive, so it is recommended to shop around and compare prices. Additionally, it is crucial to choose a frame that will protect the dress from damage, fading, and discolouration caused by pollutants and UV light.
The process typically takes 4-6 weeks from the initial consultation to the delivery of the final framed product.
